The Southeastern Anatolia Carpet Exporters Association has kicked off its first international trade delegation of 2025 with a strategic visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, followed by Doha, Qatar. The initiative aims to boost Türkiye’s carpet exports through targeted business meetings and networking activities in the Gulf region.
Boosting Exports Through Direct B2B Engagement
Led by Zeynal Abidin Kaplan, Chairman of the Association, the delegation comprises member companies engaged in direct meetings with importers, wholesalers, and retail chain representatives in Dubai. The goal is to foster new export partnerships and increase the visibility of Turkish carpets in key Middle Eastern markets.
Chairman Kaplan Highlights Cost-Effective Export Promotion
Speaking on the occasion, Kaplan emphasized the significance of sectoral trade delegations, describing them as cost-effective and impactful avenues for export promotion. “Instead of spending time and resources on individual customer visits, our members get to meet dozens of potential buyers face-to-face in a single venue,” he noted. “With the support of the Ministry of Trade, our ambassadors, consulates, and trade attachés, these events are becoming increasingly productive.”
Future Plans: Expanding Outreach to More Countries
Kaplan reiterated the Association’s commitment to organizing delegations to eight countries across four different events annually, in line with member input and ministry approvals. “Our goal is not only to showcase high-quality Turkish carpets but also to establish long-term commercial partnerships in regions with high growth potential.”
Positioning Turkish Carpets as Luxury and Cultural Symbols
Following the Dubai leg, the delegation will proceed to Doha, Qatar, where it will continue its trade meetings and promotional activities before returning to Türkiye.
The trade mission underscores Türkiye’s strategy to expand its footprint in the Gulf’s high-value markets, promoting carpets as both cultural heritage and luxury products with strong international appeal.
